Protecting the energy sector is a common task for the entire state: Oleksii Kuleba

The Government has established the Coordination Headquarters for Energy Protection. Its operations will be ensured by the State Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksii Kuleba.

He emphasised that Ukraine is entering winter under daily enemy strikes. Under fire are power stations, substations, gas and water facilities, as well as transport infrastructure, including railways. Despite the challenging conditions, over the past year the Agency for Restoration and Infrastructure Development has built more protective structures than in all previous years combined – on 22 energy facilities for which it was responsible. Work continues non-stop, despite limited budgets, tight deadlines and constant attacks.

“Protecting the energy sector is a priority for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Government and everyone working for the country. We are accelerating the construction of engineering protection around energy, transport and life-support system facilities. Control over quality and safety is maintained, but the procedural part – from approval to contract conclusion – will be significantly shortened. This will enable faster starts to construction and repairs, and ensure the uninterrupted operation of energy infrastructure,” noted Oleksii Kuleba.

The Coordination Headquarters will become a single management centre uniting the work of all structures responsible for energy, transport, water, heat and communications: the Ministry of Energy, Ukrenergo, Naftogaz, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Emergency Service, regional military administrations, communities and infrastructure operators.

The enemy constantly changes attack tactics and improves technologies – today, strike drones with 90 kilograms of explosive payload target the same facilities precisely. Despite this, the protection system is working, and the state is doing everything possible to ensure Ukrainians have heat, water and light.